News Flash: Gun Prosecution Lacking in MA

Sorry, I wasn't planning on blogging as much as I have today (lots of good stuff, I promise - scroll down), but when a story like this lands in my lap, I gotta run with it. As usual, the Dead Horse Beating Warning applies.

Study: Feds shoot too low on gun violations

Hundreds of people who lied on their applications for gun permits in Massachusetts and dozens of corrupt gun dealers have gone unpunished by federal officials, according to a blistering new study.

The study, commissioned by a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group, ranks the Bay State a dismal 47th in the nation in prosecuting felons who possess firearms or who committed a violent felony with a firearm from 2000 to 2003.

For a state with a legislature that is constantly concocting new and inventive ways to infringe upon the rights of law-abiding gun owners and any citizen who dares to become one, this news is nothing short of appalling.

The report found that U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan's office prosecuted just 12 of 505 Bay Staters caught lying on federal gun applications on criminal records, addresses or other information between 2000 and 2003.

Sullivan's office also prosecuted just one case involving a corrupt gun dealer during the same years even though federal agents found violations in 29 percent of their 193 inspections, the study revealed.

So, they're batting a whopping .023 and .018 in these two categories. Doesn't that just instill you with a wonderful sense of confidence in the system? If this doesn't demonstrate not only the abject failure the Commonwealth's ineffective gun control laws, but also the federal government's inability to enforce the same, nothing will.

And since this is a Massachusetts problem (albeit at the federal level), it's no surprise to see the "Massachusetts Solution" being offered up by our benevolent leaders - if it's broke, throw taxpayers' money at it until you've convinced the voters in your district that you've fixed it. Pay no attention to the reality behind the curtain.

Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre), who sits on the Criminal Justice Committee, called Sullivan "astonishingly capable," adding, "It may be a matter of resources."

With all due respect, Senator, your grasp on reality may be astonishingly frail. It's not a "matter of resources". It's a matter of recognizing the difference between talking a tough game and actually backing your words up with tough, decisive action.

"He certainly can't prosecute every crime under every statute."

Maybe not, but it's not about prosecuting "every crime". That would be a tall order for anyone. We're talking about an overall prosecution rate for firearms violations of 2 point freaking 3 percent over a recent three-year period!

You can keep on telling me it's raining all you want, but the smell of urine and this big wet spot my leg are telling me a different story.

UPDATE: Say Uncle adds this bit of perspective:

When you have more gun control laws than most other states, it’s probably hard to prosecute all (including the serious) cases.